High-accuracy electrode implantation in deep brain structures using multi-camera neuronavigation in non-human...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Surgical Technology
• Animal Models

Background:

• Accurate electrophysiological recordings and stimulation of deep brain structures in large animal models are crucial for neuroscience research.
• Current targeting methods lack the required precision for deep brain structures in non-human primates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a highly accurate targeting method for chronic electrode implantation in deep brain structures of macaque monkeys.
• To achieve submillimeter accuracy for deep brain targeting, enabling precise electrophysiological studies.

Main Methods:

• Integration of advanced multi-camera neuronavigation (minimum five cameras), high-resolution multimodal neuroimaging (MRI/CT), and tailored surgical techniques.
• Development of a skull-based registration protocol for precisein vivotargeting.
• Optimization and testing of the protocol in three macaque monkeys across seven implantations targeting the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex.

Main Results:

• Multi-camera neuronavigation demonstrated superior accuracy compared to two-camera systems in 3D models.
• Skull-based registration achieved submillimetric accuracy for entorhinal cortex targeting (0.55 mm, 0.89 mm).
• Hippocampal targeting showed slightly higher accuracy (1.11 mm, 1.68 mm); electrophysiological recordings validated the approach.

Conclusions:

• The developed technological and surgical framework enables precise deep brain targeting in large animal models.
• This method provides submillimetric to millimetric accuracy, advancing the capability for electrophysiological recordings and stimulation in non-human primates.